Among the other candidates running, WRAL reports two candidates are pastors. Reverend Mark Walker is a music minister at a Baptist Church in Greensboro and Reverend Dan Collison is a Baptist Pastor in Jamestown.

The other four threw their hats into the ring before Coble made public his plans earlier in November. That's not surprising given Coble faced several primary opponents in 2010 and 2012, and the 82-year-old has had health problems.

Phil Berger Jr. could have an early advantage in the Republican primary because he's the Rockingham County district attorney and his father is very influential GOP circles.